Person: Martin Johnson

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

columnists

Ronan O'Gara: The golden qualities of a proper leader and captain

Sam Cane is the newly appointed New Zealand captain. All Blacks coach Ian Foster named the Waikato Chief last week as the man to lead his group through to the 2023 World Cup in France.

other

Peter Jackson: This time Farrell v Farrell has added bite

rugby

Shaun Edwards remains a potent thorn in England's side

other

Christmas dinner in the Farrell household could be enlightening

other

Jackling: Rugby needs a final worthy of the game

opinion

#RWC2019: Euphoria and despair will meet in Japan

Ross: Ruthless Schmidt may speak softly but he carries a big bloody stick

This time four years ago, Mike Ross was trying to figure out how to impress his fellow World Cup squad members.

Thu, 05 Sep, 2019

Graham Rowntree named as Munster forwards coach

Graham Rowntree has been named as Munster's new forwards coach.

Tue, 04 Jun, 2019

Leinster v Saracens is rugby's version of Man City v Liverpool

Peter Jackson gets over the gain line, behind the headline

Fri, 10 May, 2019

Can Best exit on ultimate high?

Even with a 747 at his disposal, Marco Polo would probably have thought twice about rushing to map out Rory Best’s last rugby journey, from Armagh to Yokohama.

Thu, 02 May, 2019

Welsh slammers look in from outside when big show resumes

The European Champions’ Cup emerges from hibernation next week offering a ray of sunshine for those Irish players hung out to dry after the deluge and days of cascading criticism.

Thu, 21 Mar, 2019

‘Gee, those rugby players have some courage’

Peter Jackson gets over the gain line, behind the headline

Thu, 21 Feb, 2019

Did Ireland lose this one in the dressing room?

Joe Schmidt sensed his Ireland team were in for a rough ride as he surveyed an unusually quiet home dressing room prior to kick-off.

Mon, 04 Feb, 2019

Ireland stars dominate English award shortlist

Ireland dominate a list of five nominees in contention to be named The Rugby Union Writers’ Club personality of the year for 2018.

Wed, 09 Jan, 2019

Sexton plays on the edge, says Leinster boss Cullen

Jonathan Sexton doesn’t do a whole lot wrong on the field and that probably explains why the recently named World Player of the Year has been getting it in the neck all week for his tempestuous showing in Thomond Park last Saturday.

Sat, 05 Jan, 2019

England’s template there for Ireland to emulate

The last time the reigning Grand Slam champions dared to beat the All Blacks, they followed up by winning the World Cup within a matter of months, writes Peter Jackson.

Mon, 19 Nov, 2018

Dan McFarland hoping for more of the same

Ulster coach Dan McFarland is hoping that Premiership side Leicester’s record at Ravenhill continues in the same vein when the two cross swords when the Heineken Cup kicks off this weekend.

Wed, 10 Oct, 2018

Sam Warburton speaks to the team before the game 1/7/2017

Lions captain Sam Warburton forced to retire from rugby, aged 29

Lions captain Sam Warburton has retired from rugby union at the age of 29.

Wed, 18 Jul, 2018

Why Leinster’s key numbers all stack up for future dominance

The target on Leinster’s back has just got bigger. That’s the way it has always been for champions. First up, it’s Munster gunning for a win over the newly crowned European champions that would propel them into a third Guinness Pro 12/14 final in four seasons.

Wed, 16 May, 2018

What does it take to win a Grand Slam? Upset a president for a start...

Sat, 17 Mar, 2018

Jerry Flannery on the Grand Slam: ‘You only really appreciate the magnitude of it when you look back’

Jerry Flannery was a member of the Irish team which completed the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009. An outstanding hooker who helped Munster to win the Heineken Cup in 2006 and 2008, he represented Ireland on 41 occasions. Ahead of Ireland’s bid for more Grand Slam glory on Saturday he spoke to Charlie Mulqueen

Fri, 16 Mar, 2018

Who else could have seamlessly fed in eight new players to Six Nations cauldron?

The Joe Schmidt era just gets better and better. So many boxes ticked as the clock ticks towards the 2019 World Cup.

Wed, 14 Mar, 2018

Six Nations Review: Ireland must avoid complacency; England have themselves to blame

Peter Jackson recaps the weekend’s Six Nations action. 

Mon, 26 Feb, 2018

Munster and Irish rugby can’t afford to let O’Mahony leave

In many respects this eagerly awaited contest against traditional European rivals Leicester Tigers represented a new beginning.

Mon, 11 Dec, 2017

Scarlets know they are due a break

Munster and Leinster take the annual plunge into Europe, fortified by more than five European titles between them in six years.

Fri, 13 Oct, 2017

Gooch testimonial fuss: How long would it take some managers to pocket the same?

Colm Cooper stands to make a signficant amount of money from his testimonial event but why shouldn’t he, argues Mike Quirke. 

Tue, 03 Oct, 2017

Lions’ lack of a standout leader hasn’t helped Warren Gatland’s cause

We were told that this was the best-prepared and most talented Lions squad to leave these shores in modern times, but where are the standout leaders? asks Brendan O’Brien.

Fri, 30 Jun, 2017

Kyle Sinckler: ‘I’m just excited to hit people for a living’

Lions rookie Kyle Sinckler feels like he is in rugby heaven on the eve of his debut in the famous red jersey. Yet his thirst for knowledge may be hell for his teammates.

Fri, 02 Jun, 2017

England have searing pace but still vulnerable

I’m confused. Just over two weeks ago I left Twickenham happy in my own mind that, if Ireland could negotiate what, even at that time, looked like a tricky assignment in Cardiff against Wales, the game against England in Dublin would take care of itself.

Wed, 15 Mar, 2017

Shane Williams: Conor Murray can lead Lions

Welsh rugby legend Shane Williams believes Conor Murray could be a contender for the Lions’ captaincy.

Wed, 01 Mar, 2017

Devin Toner: Stooping to conquer

All great players have presence. The mere fact they share a dressing room offers confidence and surety to everyone in close proximity.

Fri, 03 Feb, 2017

Peter Jackson: Dylan Hartley leaves the door open for Rory Best

So many Irish forwards have been at the sharp end of Dylan Hartley’s fingers, fists and fangs that it would be only fair if one were to gain from the mounting wreckage.

Mon, 12 Dec, 2016

Simon Zebo celebrates scoring their first try with Conor Murray 10/12/2016

Munster back up emotion with precision

No matter where you look at present, it’s pretty difficult to avoid. Ireland against England, be it for club or country, is the only topic on the agenda. Time will tell whether or not the two leading contenders for this season’s Six Nations championship will both make it unbeaten to the last day of tournament to contest a Grand Slam showdown at the Aviva Stadium.

Mon, 12 Dec, 2016

Another big step on Ireland's road to greatness?

After this momentous win, who knows what this Irish squad is capable of achieving.

Mon, 28 Nov, 2016

Ireland determined to sign off on another high note against Australia

It has been quite the year for Irish rugby and no better way to finish it than by making a little more history at the Aviva Stadium this evening with a victory over Australia.

Sat, 26 Nov, 2016

Warren Gatland will tackle New Zealand with ‘larger squad’

Clive Woodward was panned for assembling the largest ever British and Irish Lions touring party 11 years ago, but he believes Warren Gatland will tackle New Zealand next summer with an even larger assembly of men.

Sat, 22 Oct, 2016

Anthony Foley: Incredible leader lost to the cause

Ireland is famous for its traditions, particularly the overwhelming sense of connection and loyalty people still retain for their own community - be that a small village, a city, a county or even a province.

Fri, 21 Oct, 2016

Peter Jackson on Anthony Foley: Munster’s most loyal servant

As smash hit double acts go, European professional club rugby never saw anything quite like Anthony Foley and Munster.

Mon, 17 Oct, 2016

Confusion about Stuart Lancaster's role but Leo Cullen stays the boss

Happy to serve. The uncertain boundaries marking Stuart Lancaster’s new job description with Leinster were still not completely clear after his introductory press conference yesterday, but the former England head coach did at least insist Leo Cullen is the boss.

Tue, 06 Sep, 2016